RU2216787C2 - Image generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: image generation in transparent illuminated materials. SUBSTANCE: method involves use of n parallel transparent fixed objects and respective number of light sources of same or different color, each being used for independent illumination of respective transparent object; light dissipating pattern applied to each of n transparent objects is either similar or different relative to remaining ones; light source is controlled by means of controller affording different turn-on sequence and time of light sources; the latter are connected in parallel with controller. EFFECT: provision for producing multicolor and dynamically varying image. 3 cl, 16 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to methods for creating images in transparent materials, in particular, can be applied to obtain lighting effects of visually changing images in translucent objects of glass, crystal, plexiglass, etc.

 A known method of obtaining a light image (see RF patent 2063066, IPC G 09 F 13/18). This device is a volume limited by the front and rear panels and the frame, filled with inert gas. The panel is coated with a conductive coating of a given geometric shape. When voltage is applied in the volume, a glow discharge arises, repeating the geometric shape of the conductive coating. However, the resulting image cannot be three-dimensional and multi-color.

 There is also a method of obtaining a light image (see RF patent 2121926, IPC B 44 C 5/08), taken as a prototype. The method consists in illuminating an intracavity light-scattering pattern with a light beam experiencing at least a single total internal reflection in a transparent object. The device consists of a transparent object with an intracavity light-scattering pattern, a light source, and an optical system that forms a light beam. When changing the position or radiation pattern of the light source, it is possible to create an animation effect due to the sequential illumination of individual parts of the picture. However, the animation possibilities are limited by this sequence.

 To implement the method according to this patent, it is necessary to create an intracavity light-scattering pattern, which is associated with the use of complex technological processes and expensive equipment (laser irradiation or irradiation with charged particle beams). This method does not allow you to create multi-color images. To make changes to the figure, it is necessary to create a new transparent object with a new intracavity light-scattering pattern. Thus, this method does not allow the creation of dynamic and multicolor images.

 The technical task of this invention is the creation of a visually changing image, namely: obtaining a single-color or multi-color dynamic (visual resizing, changing the volume, changing the sequence or periodicity in time of the appearance of images), or obtaining a static image, but fragmentarily changing color.

 The technical problem is carried out by implementing the method of obtaining an image, which consists in illuminating the end of a transparent object containing a light-scattering pattern with a light source, using n transparent objects fixed parallel to each other, where n is at least two, and the corresponding number of light sources illuminated each independently a light source, moreover, each of n transparent objects is preliminarily coated with either the same or different in relation to the others light scattering pattern, or change the color of the light source relative to the rest, or the first and second together, and the light sources are controlled by the controller, with a predetermined algorithm that provides a different sequence and duration of the inclusion of light sources, while the light sources are connected to the electric circuit together with the controller in parallel.

 Each transparent object can be highlighted frame by frame. All transparent objects can be highlighted at the same time.

 The invention is confirmed by the drawings.

 Figure 1 - diagram of a device that implements a method of obtaining an image.

 Figure 2 - the principle of obtaining images in one transparent object.

 FIG. 3 is an example of obtaining an image by sequentially highlighting transparent objects.

 Figure 4 is an example of obtaining the effect of a change in volume.

 5 is an example of obtaining a multi-color image.

 6 is an example of creating a three-color image.

 FIG. 7 is an example of the mutual arrangement of light sources (LEDs) and a transparent object.

 Fig - an example of a casing in cross section.

 Fig.9 is an example of the execution of the cover of the casing.

 Figure 10 is an example of fixing transparent objects in a casing.

 In FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a device that implements the inventive method of obtaining an image using three transparent objects 1 arranged parallel to each other, with light-scattering patterns applied to them 2. The device contains light sources 3 illuminating the transparent object 1 at the end and controlled by a controller 4 connected to the source power 5. The upper end part of the transparent objects 1 and light sources 3 is enclosed in a casing 6. The lower end part of the transparent objects 1 is closed by a frame 7. The lateral ends of the transparent objects 1 are closed you're reflective film (not shown).

 As a transparent object 1, a plate of glass, crystal, plexiglass, etc. can be used. Transparent objects 1 can be either flat or curved, but absolutely identical for each device. Each transparent object is independently illuminated by its light source 3. The light-scattering pattern 2, made by creating surface defects, can be applied by mechanical action (for example, engraving), a laser, etc. It can be both flat and voluminous. As light sources 3, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, LEDs, etc. can be used. The casing 6 should be made in such a way that light only enters the end face of the transparent object 1. To enhance the glow, the ends of the transparent objects 1 can be polished, and the side and lower ends glued with a reflective film. The casing 6 and the frame 7 also play the role of fixing transparent objects 1. The controller 4 performs the functions of controlling the light sources 3, for example, LEDs, in order to create an image visually changing in accordance with a given program (algorithm): single-color or multi-color dynamic (visual resizing, achieving volume, changing the sequence or periodicity in time of the appearance of images), or obtaining a static image, but fragmentarily changing color.

 The number of "n" transparent objects 1 depends on the required number of colors and / or frames of the animation.

 The principle of image acquisition is presented in figure 2. The image is obtained due to the scattering on the light-scattering figure 2, deposited on a transparent object 1, of radiation from a light source 3. Moreover, in the absence of a light-scattering figure 2, the radiation undergoes total internal reflection and does not go beyond the transparent object 1, which makes it invisible to the observer's eye. To achieve the effect of total internal reflection, light radiation from the light source 3 is introduced through the end face of the transparent object 1. A part of the radiation that has not undergone total internal reflection is absorbed by the casing 4.

 The light-dynamic image is obtained using several transparent objects 1, fixed parallel to each other, by the method of frame-by-frame illumination (Fig. 3). On each of the transparent objects 1, one light-scattering pattern 2 is applied - a “frame” (for example, on the first first, on the second, second, etc.) Each of the transparent objects 1 has an independent backlight. The control algorithm for turning on the light sources 3 is carried out using the controller 4. To obtain a light-dynamic image, the controller 4 gives a signal to turn on the light source 3 to illuminate the first transparent object 1, while all other light sources 3 are turned off (Fig. 3A). Then, the controller 4 turns off the backlight of the first transparent object 1 and turns on the light source 3 to illuminate the second transparent object 1 (Fig. 3B), etc. As a result of such sequential frame-by-frame illumination, a dynamic dynamic image (animation) occurs.

 Figure 4 shows another example of obtaining a light-dynamic image in the form of the effect of a change in volume. In this case, several transparent objects 1 are also used, fixed in parallel to each other. The controller 4 simultaneously turns on the light sources 3 to illuminate several transparent objects 1. Figure 4 reflects this method using four transparent objects as an example 1. Initially, the light source 3 is turned on to illuminate the first transparent object 1 (Fig. 4A). Further, the controller 4 includes a light source 3 illuminating the second transparent object 1, while the light source 3 illuminating the first transparent object 1 remains on (FIG. 4B). Thus, the effect of the light dynamic effect of increasing the volume is achieved. When the light sources 3 illuminating the transparent objects 1 are sequentially turned off, the effect of volume reduction will be achieved. In this way, an animated volume change effect can be obtained.

 A multicolor image is obtained by using a package of the nth number of transparent objects 1 fixed in parallel to each other, where n corresponds to the number of colors used to construct the image. On each of the transparent objects 1, by applying a light-scattering pattern 2, a single-color part of the image is created, which is highlighted by a light source 3 of a certain color. To obtain a three-color image (Fig. 5), it is necessary to use three transparent objects 1, each of which has a light-scattering pattern 2 corresponding to a part of the overall image and illuminated by a light source 3 of a certain color. In this case, light sources 3 of three different colors are used, so that each of the three transparent objects 1 is highlighted by light sources 3 of the same color.

 Thus, the effect of fragmentary static color change, i.e. multicolor image. A multicolor image can also be made dynamically dynamic by introducing a single-frame backlight for each color described above. At the same time, in order to obtain a certain color along the contour, the light-scattering pattern must be flat; in order to obtain a full color fill of the image, the pattern must be three-dimensional.

 When using several transparent objects 1, with the same light-scattering patterns 2 applied on them, but illuminated by light sources 3 of different colors, you can get an image that changes color in accordance with the algorithm specified in the controller 4 (another kind of light-dynamic image).

 Thus, the technical task is achieved, namely, creating a visually changing image, that is, obtaining a single-color or multi-color dynamic (visual resizing, changing volume, changing the sequence or periodicity in time of the appearance of images), or obtaining a static image, but fragmentarily changing color.

 An example of a specific technical implementation.

 As a specific example of execution, a three-layer flat sign can be considered.

 On plexiglass 5 mm wide (translucent object 1), an image (light-scattering pattern 2) is applied by an engraving machine (not shown). The engraving depth is 0.5 mm. Plexiglass in the amount of "n" is cut in accordance with Fig.7. Plexiglas has dimensions of 400 • 300 mm, plus on top there are 3 projections 8 (2 at the edges and 1 in the middle) 6 mm high (LED height (light source 3) plus adhesive tape width (not shown), with which the plexiglass is attached) 6 mm long. Also, according to FIG. 7, a frosted glass 9 is cut out with a width of 0.5 mm (FIG. 10), necessary for the light-scattering pattern 2 to be invisible in the mode when the light sources 3 are turned off.

 LEDs (light sources 3) are installed in three rows on an electric board 10 of size 400 • 22 mm, as shown in FIG. 6. This signboard uses LEDs (light sources 3) with a diameter of 5 mm. These LEDs have a cap (base) with a diameter of 6 mm, which determines their installation as indicated in FIG. 6 and 7 in a manner. On the edges and in the middle of the board 10 there are free places 11 of a length of 6 mm for fastening the glasses to the board 10 using double-sided tape 0.5 mm wide. To prevent the LEDs from glowing in adjacent rows, a flexible light-blocking film 11 is laid between the rows of LEDs. The LEDs of each row are connected in parallel to an electric circuit.

 Further, using double-sided transparent adhesive tape with a thickness of 0.5 mm, plexiglas are interconnected. The adhesive tape strips are glued in the lower and upper part of the plexiglas, as well as on the ends of the protrusions 8 for attaching the plexiglas to the board 10, then the plexiglas are pressed against each other. From above, a board 10 with LEDs is attached so that the protrusions 8 of the plexiglas go into the corresponding empty spots 11 on the board 10. Double-sided tape reliably secures the plexiglas and the board 10.

 To prevent the glow of the ends of the signs, they are pasted over with a strip of reflective film 16.5 mm wide.

Next, the resulting structure is inserted into a special aluminum profile (casing 6) so that the board 10 fits into the grooves of the casing 6. The profile has a length of 400 mm and a wall width of 1 mm. Then, on the sides, flat plastic covers 13 are fixed, which are glued to plexiglas. An opening is provided in the upper part of the profile for the output of power wires of each row of LEDs, which are connected directly to controller 4. As a controller 4, for example, a flasher controller can be used (see R. Traister. Amateur radio circuits on type 555 ICs. - M .: Mir, 1988, p. 211-214)
Thus, a sign is assembled that can be connected directly to the controller 4, which sets the programs (algorithms) for switching on / off the light sources 3 discussed above, which confirms the implementation of the described method.

Claims (3)

 1. The method of obtaining an image, which consists in illuminating the end face of a transparent object containing a light-scattering pattern, characterized in that n transparent objects are used, mounted parallel to each other, where n is at least two, and the corresponding number of light sources, each of which independently illuminates a transparent object corresponding to it, using light sources of the same color or different color, moreover, a light-scattering pattern applied to each of n transparent objects, whether it is the same or different with respect to the others, and the light sources are controlled by a controller that provides a different sequence and duration of the light sources on, while the light sources are connected in parallel to the controller.  2. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that the illumination of each transparent object is carried out frame by frame.  3. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that the illumination of all transparent objects is carried out simultaneously.

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